Down and Dirty

According to Robert Weil, DPW of American Canyon, Calif., the job he shares with many PUBLIC WORKS readers dates back to biblical times. In Romans 16:24 (the NIV version), as part of the lengthy “so-and-so says hi” passage of a letter from Corinth, Paul includes this hello: “Erastus, who is the city's director of public works, and our brother Quartus send you their greetings.” So, while “director of public works” may not be the “world's oldest profession,” it's fairly close.

Recycling scores at Pro Bowl

While the actual game might have been a yawner, recycling efforts at and around Aloha Stadium during the February 10 showdown were a thriller. The U.S. EPA partnered with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Hawaii, Honolulu Recovery Systems, and the NFL to snatch up all the cans, bottles, cups, and other refuse at the stadium and surrounding property. Their goal: to collect at least 12,000 recyclable items.

New technology enables potty talk

Officials in New Mexico have come up with an anti-drunk driving message that's hard to ignore. The state distributed 500 talking urinal cakes—available from the brilliantly named Wizmark Co.—free of charge to bar and tavern owners. When activated by the bathroom visitor, the urinal cake urges that if he's overindulged, he should “Make the smart choice tonight—don't drink and drive.”